University the next step for Uncle Greg University can be an overwhelming endeavour for new students and even borderline traumatic for some, yet Uncle Greg Eaton - who has survived lymphatic cancer, open heart surgery and being hit by a train - certainly isn’t fl inching as he takes on life’s latest challenge. The 64-year-old Aboriginal Elder from the Tagalaka people of North Queensland, calls the Fraser Coast home and this Wednesday will graduate from University of Southern Queensland’s Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP). Uncle Greg said the sixmonth IHEPP program served as a stepping stone for him to enrol in the Bachelor of Science (Environment and Sustainability) which is due to start next month. “Every 10 years I like to do something different and my children have inspired me to start university,” the former Youth Justice program development offi cer said. “My son works in civil engineering, one daughter is working for Queensland Health after completing a diploma in childcare, and my youngest daughter has completed a university degree in criminology and graduates in March. Leah Jackat (right) congratulates Aboriginal Elder Uncle Greg Eaton on graduating from USQ’s IHEPP program. “I also have a cousin who is studying at USQ Toowoomba and urged me to choose this university.” Uncle Greg is no stranger to life’s many and varied challenges. In 1996 he had open heart surgery for a triple bypass. During the procedure, doctors discovered that he was also suffering from lymphatic cancer. “They had to fi x my heart before I could have chemotherapy,” Uncle Greg said. “I’m now in remission but still have major problems with my spine from an accident in 1975 when I was hit by a train. “I was coming home from work in the back of a truck - it was a drizzly afternoon and the driver didn’t see the train coming.” Uncle Greg is among six local Indigenous students who will graduate from IHEPP at USQ Fraser Coast this week. IHEPP is designed to give Indigenous students tertiary preparation skills, with an Indigenous focus. The program particularly suits those who have been out of formal education for some time as well as those who feel their skills are a bit rusty. For more information about IHEPP, contact USQ’s admissions team on 4631 5315. WEDNESDAY COLOUR Book in for any full price Colour Service on Wednesdays with Natasha & receive a bonus  Blow-Dry / Straighten (Valued at $30) Eye Package (Eyebrow Wax & Tint & Eyelash Tint Valued at 25)                               *For appointments on Wednesday ONLY with Natasha **Any length hair Shoprider 889SL Find us on Facebook Ph Phone 4128 4122 4128 4122 | 36 T 36 Torquay Rd, Pialba Balayage Colour Shampoo & Condition Relaxing Head Massage Style Cut Colour Toner Blow-Dry or GHD Finish Breeze S Merits Aurora Breeze C COME & SEE IF WE CAN HELP Pathrider 140XL YOU KEEP YOUR INDEPENDENCE WITH OUR GREAT NEW RANGE Find us opposite Stockland in Central Ave Pilaba. Visit www.hairatcentral.com.au 2/42 Torquay Rd, Pialba Ph 4124 6433 SalesHireService ‘The Widest Range of Quality Scooters & Mobility Aids on the Fraser Coast’ Hervey Bay Independent, January 29, 2015 / 37 We Are Here AFFORD A SCOOTER? CAN’T THINK YOU